A portion of one of the last undeveloped tracts of land in the heart of Riverside could soon be permanently protected, following a new agreement among St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Riverside Association, and Greenwich Land Trust.
The three organizations have signed a non-binding letter of intent that outlines a potential path to conserve part of St. Paul’s 8.65-acre campus at 200 Riverside Avenue as permanently protected open space. The proposed conservation area, accessed from Indian Head Road and located within an R-20 single-family residential zone, represents some of the last remaining undeveloped land in this section of Greenwich.
If the plan advances, the land would be preserved in perpetuity, protected from future development, and maintained for the benefit of the broader community. acknowledging the importance of the land to the surrounding neighborhood.
The agreement follows St. Paul’s earlier request for town approval to subdivide its property, a step the Church said was necessary to ensure the long-term financial stability of both the Church and its Day School. According to materials filed with the Town of Greenwich, the original concept contemplated the sale of residential building lots to support the institution’s mission and operations.
The newly signed letter of intent reflects a different approach. Under the proposed framework, the Riverside Association, working with Greenwich Land Trust, would lead a community-wide fundraising effort to purchase the designated portion of the property and place it under permanent conservation.
“This partnership represents how conservation succeeds in Greenwich: through collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to community,” said Will Kies, executive director of Greenwich Land Trust. “St. Paul’s campus is a rare and irreplaceable green space in the heart of Riverside. By working alongside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Riverside Association, we have an opportunity to permanently protect this land, preserve the neighborhood’s character, and ensure future generations continue to benefit from its open, park-like setting.”
The initial fundraising target has been set at $5.2 million. The final purchase price would be determined by an independent appraisal after the Church’s subdivision plan receives town approval.
The conservation effort seeks to balance financial stewardship with preservation. St. Paul’s leaders have emphasized that the proposed sale is intended to strengthen the institution’s future while acknowledging the importance of the land to the surrounding neighborhood.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Riverside Association and Greenwich Land Trust — two organizations that share our commitment to serving the Riverside community,” said the Rev. Stephanie M. Johnson, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. “Our decision to sell part of our property has been bittersweet. It’s necessary to ensure that St. Paul’s remains a f inancially strong part of Riverside. We also recognize that our parklike campus has been beloved by our parishioners and neighbors for generations. With the letter of intent, I can see a future where we are able to maintain both the open space and St. Paul’s for future generations.”
Discussions among the three parties began in April 2025 and continued over several months, leading to the signing of the letter of intent earlier this month. Any eventual sale to Greenwich Land Trust remains contingent on two conditions: final approval of the Church’s subdivision application by the Town of Greenwich and the successful completion of the fundraising campaign.
Greenwich Land Trust currently protects and manages more than 1,014 acres of woodlands, marshlands, orchards, and meadows across the town. According to the organization, its mission is to conserve open space, connect residents with the natural world, and preserve the ecological integrity and scenic character of Greenwich.
The Riverside Association, a long-established neighborhood organization, works to promote the interests and welfare of Riverside residents and property owners.
Founded more than 150 years ago, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church remains a central institution in Riverside. Its Day School, which enrolls approximately 100 students, has served local families for more than six decades. The church campus also hosts a range of community groups and programs, including children’s afterschool programs, the Greenwich Choral Society, the Off Sounders Acapella Group, Girl Scout troops, and multiple Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Supporters of the proposed conservation effort say the agreement presents a rare chance to preserve open land in a densely developed area while sustaining an institution that has long served the neighborhood. The coming months will determine whether fundraising and regulatory approvals align to make that outcome permanent.
